While Wales vs Portugal might not have been the semi-final we all expected before the Euros started, France vs Germany certainly is, with both teams always expected to go far in the tournament.
Overcoming a very tough Italy on penalties via a very entertaining shootout, Germany will now have to face a reinvigorated France, who dispatched England’s conquerors, Iceland, 5-2 in the quarters.
Always a possibility at this stage of the tournament, demonstrated in the aforementioned Germany vs Italy, penalty shootouts have become a crucial, and undoubtedly cruel, part of the game, meaning practicing needs to take place.
While those taking the penalties have an important job, so do the goalkeepers in charge of stopping them whenever the opportunity arises, and that’s why Hugo Lloris has been doing some extra training.
Relayed by France Football, the Tottenham shot stopper admitted having ‘asked for information’ about the Germany penalty takers; something he described as a regular practice of his.
He said: “I’ve always worked like this in competitions when shootouts can be decisive. It’s important, but you cannot focus solely on it either. The only reality when the time comes is intuition.
“Penalty takers have evolved and nowadays have a near perfect technique where they can put the ball wherever they want. It’s important to concentrate on the smallest of details to then have all the information when the time comes.”
France and Germany fans will reel at the thought of having the game to a shootout, but for neutrals, such a spectacle is always welcome.
Especially when the goalkeepers on both sides are Manuel Neuer and Hugo Lloris.
May the best team win.
